Agnostic Front: My Life My Way – new video

 

 

AGNOSTIC FRONT have proudly premiered their Dale Resteghini-directed video for ‘My Life My Way’ over at Punknews.org and described it as “an exciting trip through some of the classic days and the birth of NYHC”. ‘My Life My Way’ is the title track taken from these New York hardcore pioneers' latest effort, released in March 2011 through Nuclear Blast Records. ‘My Life My Way’ was recorded with Erik Rutan (under the watchful eye of producer Freddy Cricien) and mastered by Alan Douches. The cover artwork was created by artist Todd Hubber:

“The concept was to capture the D.I.Y. ethic and crude themed artistry of the early punk flyers, with a nod to the era of crime and pulp comic themes of the early 50's. Society deemed those materials as having no social redeeming values, and as a contributor to youth delinquency. ‘My Life My Way’ is a throwback to the early days, and AGNOSTIC FRONT has proven that what society deems unredeeming, has been, still is, and will continue to be relevant.”

“After all is said and done we are amazed on how great our new record turned out,” [commented the album AGNOSTIC FRONT's legendary singer Roger Miret] “It’s by far our catchiest record to date and it’s going to make everyone want to sing along for sure. Freddy killed it on the production end, just capturing that hardcore vibe that only he can get out of AGNOSTIC FRONT. The boys all put nothing but passion into the songs, and Erik Rutan just dialed it all in to make AGNOSTIC FRONT sound as natural and as organic as ever. This one will definitely be a classic once it's heard worldwide!” [If you somehow managed to miss this release, here is you chance to order it from Nuclear Blast Europe and dutifully buy the album here if you happen to live on that other continent]

In the early 1980's New York City became a melting pot for a flourishing hardcore scene:

“Among the bands at the forefront of this united, seemingly unstoppable army were AGNOSTIC FRONT, whose frantic, minimalist assault and sociopolitical rants came to epitomize the essence of hardcore, New York f*ckin’ City style,” [wrote AllMusic's Eduardo Rivadavia]

Formed by guitarist Vinnie Stigma, AGNOSTIC FRONT went through a few singers before settling with Roger Miret, “a product of refugee parents with firsthand experience in social injustice and opinionated views about politics coursing through his veins”. With bassist Adam Moochie and drummer Ray Beez, AGNOSTIC FRONT developed their unique sound dominated by catchy tunes, thunderous drums and the buck-wild shouting of their singer. 1983's EP ‘United Blood’ was followed by 1984's career-defining album ‘Victim In Pain’ which featured Rob Kabula and Dave Jones, who replaced Adam Moochie and Raymond “Raybeez” Barbieri on bass and drums respectively. For 1986's ‘Cause For Alarm’ the band struggled through the sessions due to constant personnel problems and due to Miret and Stigma's spirited relationship. 1987's ‘Liberty & Justice For...’ featured an entirely new cast of backup musicians. Miret was arrested on drug charges after releasing live album, ‘Live At CBGB’ (1989),  and sentenced to nearly two years in prison while Stigma and the band toured Europe for the first time. Miret spent his time in prison writing new songs for 1992's album ‘One Voice’ but not long after its release, the band decided to call it quits. Their final show was recorded for 1993's ‘Last Warning’ after which Stigma and guitarist Matt Handerson formed MADBALL with Miret's younger brother Freddy Cricien. After meeting at MADBALL concert in 1998, Miret and Stigma began discussing a possible comeback for AGNOSTIC FRONT; after signing with Epitaph Records and recruiting Jimmy Colletti on drums and Rob Kabula on bass, the group released ‘Something's Gotta Give’. 1999's ‘Riot, Riot, Upstart’ featured guest appearances from M.O.D.'s Billy Milano and RANCID's Lars Fredriksen, among others. In 2001 they released the album ‘Dead Yuppies’ with ‘Another Voice’ following in 2005 – band's first for Nuclear Blast Records. For 2007's ‘Warriors’ Eduardo Rivadavia wrote:

“When a band has been this successful at the business of producing classic, crossover hardcore ass-kickings for their loyal consumers, well, outside observers may just want to keep their mouths shut and be thankful that their own jobs cover health insurance - it could come in handy if they cross the wrong person here. Such is life at AGNOSTC FRONT Public Works, Inc.: a not-for-profit organization (get it? the band has never seen a cent for their efforts) devoted to all sorts of social activism, community services, and a few tough love lessons about the code of the street mixed in for good measure (no one likes a goody two shoes).” [Read the rest of his review here]

Below you’ll find AGNOSTIC FRONT's video for ‘A Mi Manera’ (Spanish for “my way”), also directed by Dale Resteghini, featuring special guest, vocalist Freddy “Madball” Cricien, and video for the track ‘That’s Life’ directed by Brian Darwas.

AGNOSTIC FRONT features: Roger Miret – vocals, Vinnie Stigma – guitar, Mike Gallo – bass, Pokey – drums and Joseph James – guitar